Nepal, India

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The Annapurna Circuit trek, starting nearby Pokhara, Nepal, is one of the great walks in the world. The loop is approx 118 miles of ancient trails that traverse around the Annapurnas with the added benefit of teahouses for lodging and meals along the way. A three-week journey through Tibetan-style villages with the company of the mountainous Sherpa people allows for acclimitization to the highest point on the loop, the Thorong La pass at 17,769 ft.

The Annapurna Sanctuary is an ampitheater of peaks from which the world's best climbers set out from the scenic Annapurna Base Camp (13,550 ft). There are even a couple of rustic lodges at each of two base camps, though there is little heat and amenities.

We'll each bring a down sleeping bag (rated to 15 degrees F) in our lightweight backpack, which along with all our pile clothing, should keep us warm at night on those days when we're at higher altitudes. See gear list for further details.

Following trekking in Nepal, the touring in India has four parts:

1) two-week organized tour of Northern India with Explore! starting in Calcutta ending in Amritsar. By rail, bus and other transportation, we'll visit the highlights of the region including Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), Delhi, Shimla, and Amritsar.

2) beach-side retreat in S Goa on western coast near Palolem and Patnem Beaches for a little over a week.

3) tour with family in Kerala region of S India including beach, backwaters and ashram.

4) explore Jaipur and surrounding area in Rajasthan before flying out of New Delhi.